Air filtration unit

ABSTRACT

An air filtration unit for use in a work environment includes a housing disposed with an air filtration system and light source. The housing includes a handle and corner caps to prevent damage and provide stability. The air filtration system draws air into the housing, via a blower, through a first and second inlet gate, the air is at least partially filtered by a first and second filter assembly, which provide a two stage filtering, and then the at least partially filtered air is blown through an exhaust conduit back out into the work environment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 as acontinuation-in-part from U.S. application Ser. No. 10/254,858, filed onSep. 25, 2002, now abandoned which is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of air filtration,and particularly to an air filtration unit capable of collecting dustand other harmful airborne particles as well as providing a lightsource.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dust and other loose airborne materials may be experienced on a dailybasis in many work environments, such as wood working shops. Forexample, the cutting, sanding and shaping of wood products produceairborne particles that may cause harm to an operator who is unaware ofthe risk or not properly protected. These same risks exist for thecraftsman at home working in their workshop.

Air filtration systems employ a variety of different systems, fromfiltering screens to ionic cleansers. Additionally, these systems comein a variety of configurations, from floor mounted upright models, towindow sill mounted models, to models that may be mounted on ceilingsand walls. However, many such air filtration systems have been limitedin functionality to only providing air filtering. Further, the capacityto filter air of the air filtration system is often limited due to thedimensions of the product the air filtration system is presented in. Forinstance, consumer interest may require a product which takes up limitedspace therefore requiring the size of the air filters to be reduced toaccommodate this need.

In workplace environments, when an operator needs light or a powerconnection the operator may have to look to multiple devices to providesuch functionality. Such a multiplicity leads to clutter and may occupyvaluable workspace. Further, these devices may be inconvenient for auser if they do not meet the needs of the situation. For as long asthese separate technologies have been available no one has combined airfiltration capabilities along with a light and power outlet source inone device.

Therefore, a device that is capable of providing air filtration andmaximizing air filtering capacity, as well as, providing a light sourcewould be desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an air filtration unitcapable of providing filtering of dust and other loose airbornematerials, as well as, providing a light source.

In an aspect of the present invention the air filtration unit includes ahousing which provides transportability and protection to the unit. Thehousing is disposed with a two stage air filtration system and a lightsource. Air enters through a first and second inlet gate and is filteredby the air filtration system before being passed back out into theenvironment. The lighting provides illumination to an area and the airfiltration unit is adaptable to be utilized in a wide variety ofenvironments.

In another aspect of the present invention the air filtration unitincludes an indicator which monitors the flow of air through an airfiltration system. A housing, which is disposed with the air filtrationsystem and a light source also includes this indicator. The air entersthrough a first and second inlet gate and is filtered by the airfiltration system before being passed back out into the environment. Auser is capable of determining when an air filter within the airfiltration system is in need of being replaced using the indicator.

It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanyingdrawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of thespecification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and togetherwith the general description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous advantages of the present invention may be betterunderstood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanyingfigures in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of anair filtration unit of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is the air filtration unit of FIG. 1 illustrating a second sidepanel and mounting members;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the air filtration unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view illustrating a bottom panel including alight assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view illustrating a first side panel of the airfiltration unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view illustrating a second side panel of the airfiltration unit of FIG. 1, including a top edge disposed with a firsttongue member, a bottom edge disposed with a second tongue member, and ahandle;

FIG. 7A is an illustration of an extruded tube assembly in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is an expanded side elevation view of the extruded tube assemblyof FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is an expanded view illustrating the configuration of the firstand second tongue members disposed on the first and second side panelsand the operational engagement of the tongue members with the extrudedtube assembly;

FIG. 8B is an isometric illustration of the first and second side panelscoupled with a plurality of extruded tube assemblies;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a bottom panel of the air filtrationunit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a back view illustration of the bottom panel of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates a light assembly coupled with the bottom panel;

FIG. 12 illustrates the light assembly including a first and second lampcoupled with a lamp plate;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the air filtration unit of thepresent invention with an end panel removed;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the air filtration unit with the endpanel removed;

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a front and back view of a triangular endpanel exemplary of a first and second end panel used in accordance withthe air filtration unit of FIG. 1, of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an expanded front view of a first corner of the end panel ofFIGS. 15A and 15B;

FIG. 17 is an expanded back view of the first corner of the end panel ofFIGS. 15A and 15B;

FIG. 18 is a front plan view of a corner cap in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a back plan view of the corner cap of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 illustrates the coupling of the corner cap with the corner ofthe end panel;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a first filter assembly of the airfiltration system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view illustrating the first end panelengaged, at each of its three corners, by the corner cap and beingengaged by the first filter assembly;

FIG. 23 is an expanded cross-sectional view illustrating the corner capcoupled with the end panel and the first filter assembly coupled withthe end panel;

FIG. 24 is an expanded view of the coupling of the corner of the endpanel coupled with the filter assembly and corner cap, with the extrudedtube assembly which is further coupled with the side panels; and

FIG. 25 illustrates the coupling of the end panel with the side panelsand bottom panels of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

Referring generally now to FIGS. 1 through 25, an air filtration unit100 is shown and described. In this preferred embodiment, the airfiltration unit 100 is configured in a substantially triangular form,similar to that shown and described for air filtration unit 100. The airfiltration unit 100 includes a first side panel 102, a second side panel104, a bottom panel 106, a first end panel 702, and a second end panel706. A first inlet gate 112 is disposed within the first end panel 108and a second inlet gate 114 is disposed within the second end panel 110.The first and second inlet gate 112 and 114 enable air and debris, suchas particulate matter, and the like, to be drawn through a first filtersystem 502 and a second filter system 508 by a blower 501, described indetail below. Power for the operation of the blower 501 is provided by astandard power cord 101 which may be coupled with a standard poweroutlet. The first side panel 102 further includes an exhaust conduit116, in the current embodiment the exhaust conduit 116 is an aperture,of a substantially rectangular shape, through the first side panel 102.The exhaust conduit 116 is coupled with the blower 501 and enables theat least partially filtered air, drawn in through the first and secondfilter 502 and 508, to be exhausted out into the environment. It isunderstood that the configuration and location of the exhaust conduit116 may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill. For example, theexhaust conduit 116 may be configured in a substantially cylindricalshape and be disposed on the second side panel 104. A screen 118 isaffixed across the exhaust conduit 116 on the first side panel 102. Inthe current embodiment, the screen 118 is a wire mesh, such as astandard chicken wire mesh. It is understood that the screen 118 may becomposed of various materials and comprise an additional filter ofvarying configurations as contemplated by one of ordinary skill.

In FIG. 5, a top edge 120 of the first side panel 102 is disposed with afirst tongue member 122. A bottom edge 124 is disposed with a secondtongue member 126. In the current embodiment, the first and secondtongue member 122 and 126 extend substantially the entire length of thetop and bottom edge 120 and 124, respectively. Alternatively, the firstand second tongue members may vary in length to meet a desired lengthspecification. For example, the first and second tongue members mayextend substantially half the length or three-quarters of the length ofthe top and bottom edges, respectively. A first handle region 128 isdisposed proximally, along the top edge 120. A power coupling receiver130 is disposed proximal to the bottom edge 124. The power couplingreceiver 130 enables the power cord 101 to couple with the blower 501.It is contemplated that various power supplies may be used with thepresent invention, such as batteries, fuel cells, rechargeablebatteries, and the like. A right side 132 and a left side 134, of thefirst side panel 102, are disposed with multiple fastening points 136,138, 140, 142, 144, and 146, for engagement by a fastener, such as abolt, screw, pin, and the like. As will be shown and described below,the fasteners engage through the multiple fastening points on the firstside panel 102 into multiple fastening points located on the first andsecond end panels.

In an alternative embodiment, the right side 132 may include a tongueextension member and the left side 134 may include a tongue extensionmember. These tongue extension members may be received into the firstand second end panels and fastened in place by multiple fasteningassemblies. The fastening system may provide a tool-less assemblymechanism to the user of the air filtration unit 100. This may beadvantageous to the user making assembly simpler and reducing the numberof parts needed. Further, the cost of manufacture may be decreasedthrough use of various fastening assemblies, such as clip fasteningassemblies, and the like.

In the current embodiment, the first side panel 102 further includes afirst recessed panel 148, a second recessed panel 150, and a thirdrecessed panel 152. The recessed panels may serve a variety offunctions, in the exemplary embodiment shown the first and secondrecessed panel 148 and 150 allow for the application of labelscontaining warnings, directions for use, and the like. The thirdrecessed panel 152 is used to display a name plate of the product. Forexample, a label printed with the product name may be incorporated intothis recessed panel. The labels may include text, graphics, or othercommunication forms as contemplated by one of ordinary skill tocommunicate a desired message. It is contemplated that the recessedpanels may be engraved with a desired statement or a placard, includingthe desired message, may be attached to the recessed panels. It isunderstood that the configuration of the first, second, and thirdrecessed panel 148, 150, and 152 may vary to accommodate a wide range offeatures.

In FIG. 6, the second side panel 104 includes a top edge 160 disposedwith a first tongue member 162. A bottom edge 164 is disposed with asecond tongue member 166. In the current embodiment, the first andsecond tongue member 162 and 166 extend substantially the entire lengthof the top and bottom edge 160 and 164, respectively. A second handleregion 168 is disposed along the top edge 160. It is understood that thefirst handle region 128, of the first side panel 102, and the secondhandle region 168 are positioned such that when the air filtration unit100 is assembled, the handles align to form a single continuous handle.Other configurations for providing a handle to the present invention ascontemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art may be employed. Aright side 170 and a left side 172, of the second side panel 104, aredisposed with multiple fastening points 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, and184, for engagement by a fastener, such as a bolt, screw, pin, and thelike. Similar to the configuration described for the first side panel102, the fasteners engage through the multiple fastening points on thesecond side panel 104 into multiple fastening points located on thefirst and second end panels.

As previously discussed, in reference to the first side panel 102, theright and left side 170 and 172 of the second side panel 104 may includetongue extension members or various other tool less assemblies forcoupling with the first and second end panels.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the bottom panel 106 is shown. Thebottom panel 106 includes a top edge 202 integrally disposed with afirst tongue member 206 which extends substantially along the entirelength of the top edge 202. A bottom edge 204 is integrally disposedwith a second tongue member 208 which extends substantially along theentire length of the bottom edge 204. It is understood that the firstand second tongue members may vary in length along the top and bottomedges, respectively. Further, the tongue members may be removable fromthe bottom panel 106. The first and second tongue member 206 and 208provide for the coupling of the bottom panel 106 with the first andsecond side panels, as will be described below. A right side 210, of thebottom panel 106, includes multiple fastening points 214, 216, and 218.A left side 212, of the bottom panel 106, includes multiple fasteningpoints 220, 222, and 224. The right side 210 and the left side 212 aredisposed with multiple fastening points 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, and224, for engagement by fasteners, such as a bolt, screw, pin, and thelike. As will be shown and described below, the fasteners engage throughthe multiple fastening points into multiple fastening points located onthe first and second end panels to couple the bottom panel 106 with thefirst and second end panels.

A recessed assembly is included within the bottom panel 106 including arecessed top edge 234, a recessed bottom edge 236, a recessed right side238, and a recessed left side 240. The recessed bottom edge 236 isfurther disposed with a first recessed slotted receiver 246 and a secondrecessed slotted receiver 248. A first protruding member 247 is disposedalong an inner wall 237, adjacent the recessed bottom edge 236, proximalto the first slotted receiver 246. A second protruding member 249 isdisposed along the inner wall 237 proximal to the second slottedreceiver 248. The recessed slotted receivers 246 and 248 and theprotruding members 247 and 249 are utilized for coupling of a lightingassembly 600, which will be shown and described below.

A back side of the bottom panel 106, is shown in FIG. 10. Disposed uponthe back side of the bottom panel 106 is a plurality of bottom panellamp plate fastening points 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266, 268,and 270. On the back side of the recessed top edge 234 and the recessedbottom edge 236 is the plurality of bottom panel lamp plate fasteningpoints 252, 254, and 256, and 262, 264, and 266, respectively. Inaddition, on the back side of the recessed right side 238 is disposedthe plurality of bottom panel lamp plate fastening points 258 and 260while on the back side of the recessed left side 212 is disposed theplurality of bottom panel lamp plate fastening points 268 and 270. Thesefastening points are utilized for the coupling of the lighting assembly600 with the bottom panel 106, described below.

The bottom panel 106 further includes a first selector receiver 271 anda second selector receiver 272 disposed proximally to the top edge 202.The first and second selector receivers 271 and 272 enable a first andsecond selector assembly, which in the current embodiment is a firstpull chain 680 and a second pull chain 682, to access the blower 501 andthe light assembly 600. It is contemplated that the air filtration unit100 may be enabled with only one selector receiver or three or moreselector receivers. The first and second selector receivers enable thefirst and second pull chain 680 and 682 to provide a user with theability to determine the functionality of the air filtration unit 100.For example, the first pull chain 680 may be coupled with the blower 501and enable the blower 501 in either an on or off state. The second pullchain 682 may be coupled with the light assembly 600 and enable thelight assembly in either an on or off state. It is understood that thefirst and second selector receivers may be enabled to allow for usercontrol over the blower 501 and light assembly 600 in various manners.For instance, the first selector assembly may enable various assemblies,such as a two-position switch, toggle switch, and the like.

It is contemplated that a single selector receiver may provide for thecontrol of both the blower 501 and the lighting assembly 600, throughenabling of a single selector assembly. The location of the one or moreselector receivers may vary as contemplated by those of ordinary skillin the art.

The first end panel 702, shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, is similar in everyrespect to the second end panel 706. The first inlet gate 704, disposedon the first end panel 702, is similar in every respect to the secondinlet gate 708, disposed on the second end panel 706. The first endpanel 702 has a first corner 710, a second corner 712, and a thirdcorner 714. Disposed upon the first corner 710 is a pair of fasteningpoints 716 and 718, upon the second corner 712 are fastening points 720and 722, and upon the third corner 714 are fastening points 724 and 726.

On the interior of the first end panel 702 is a first rim 703, a secondrim 705, and a third rim 707, which include a plurality of fasteningpoints for the coupling of the first end panel 702 with the first sidepanel 102, second side panel 104, and the bottom panel 106. In thecurrent embodiment, on the first rim 703 of the first end panel 702 isdisposed a plurality of fastening points 730, 731, and 732. On thesecond rim 705 a plurality of fastening points 733, 734, and 735, aredisposed. On the third rim 707 a plurality of fastening points 736, 737,and 738, are disposed. The plurality of fastening points 730 through 738include a threaded member for receiving a fastener such as a screw,bolt, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the threaded member isa threaded nut, which is secured in alignment with a through point ofthe fastening points. Various assemblies may be employed to secure afastener with the end panels as may be contemplated by those of ordinaryskill in the art.

In the preferred embodiment, the fastening points 716, 720, and 724 ofthe first end panel 702 extend from the exterior of the first end panel702 into a corner first protracted member 740, 744, 748, on the interiorof the first end panel 702. The corner first protracted members arepreferably configured as hollow tubes which extend from the interiorside of the first end panel 702. It is contemplated that the firstprotracted members may be variously configured as contemplated by thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Further, on the first end panel 702 thefastening points 718, 722, and 726, extend from a recessed area 717,721, and 725 into a corner second protracted member 742, 746, and 750,respectively, on the interior of the first end panel 702. The cornersecond protracted members are preferably configured in accordance withthe shape of the first end panel 702 having a protruding member forengaging with and securing the position of a first and second filterassembly as will be shown and described below. As shown in FIGS. 15B and17, the corner second protracted members are configured generally in atriangular shape which is in accordance with the configuration of thefirst end panel 702. It is contemplated that the second protractedmembers may be variously configured as contemplated by those of ordinaryskill in the art. For example, in the current embodiment the protrudingmembers are removable from the corner second protracted members.Alternatively, the protruding members may be an integral part of thecorner second protracted members.

The recessed areas 717, 721, and 725, and the fastening points 716, 718,720, 722, 724, and 726, disposed on the exterior of each corner of thefirst end panel 702 enables coupling with a plurality of corner caps. Inthe preferred embodiment, the air filtration unit 100 includes a firstcorner cap 402, a second corner cap 404, a third corner cap 406, afourth corner cap 408, a fifth corner cap 410, and a sixth corner cap412. In the exemplary illustrations, the first corner cap 402 is shown,and is representative of the corner caps 404 through 412.

The first corner cap 402 includes as housing 414 which is generallyshaped in a configuration suitable for operational engagement with oneof the plurality of corners established by the first end panel or thesecond end panel. The housing 414 includes a first side 416 and a secondside 417. The second side 417 defines a recessed area 418 which extendsfrom a first interior wall 419 to the second side 417. In the preferredembodiment, the recessed area 418 is generally similarly configured withthe shape of the housing 414. It is understood that the recessed area418 may be configured in various manners as contemplated by those ofordinary skill in the relevant art.

The housing 414, further defines a first fastening point. The firstfastening point includes a first side first fastening point 420 andextends from the first side 416, through the housing 414, forming aninterior fastening point 424 on the first interior wall 419. In thepreferred embodiment, the first fastening point defines a threadedaperture which a fastener, such as a bolt, screw, and the like, mayengage through. The housing 414 further includes a second fasteningpoint. The second fastening point includes a first side second fasteningpoint 422 and extends from the first side 416, through the housing 414,forming a protruding interior fastening point 426. The protrudinginterior fastening point 426, in the preferred embodiment, couples withand extends from the first interior wall 419.

It may be seen in the current embodiment, that a first protruding endpanel adapter 428 is coupled with and extends from the first interiorwall 419. The first protruding end panel adapter 428 is configured toenable its insertion within the recessed area 717 of the first corner710. It is contemplated that the first protruding end panel adapter maybe variously configured to accommodate its insertion within variouslyconfigured recessed areas of the corners of the end panels. It isfurther contemplated that the first and second fastening points mayenable the use of various fasteners, such as clips, pins, and the likewithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The corner caps couple with the corners of the first and second endpanels. For example, the corner cap 402 may couple with the corner 710of the first end panel 702. The recessed area 717, of the corner 710,accepts the protracted member 428, of the corner cap 402. This may beaccomplished through a sliding engagement of the corner cap 402 onto thecorner 710. Thus, the second fastening point, of the corner cap 402, isaligned with the fastening point 718, of the corner 710. Further, thecorner 710 is accepted into the recessed area 418 of the corner cap 402.This may also be accomplished through the sliding engagement of thecorner cap 402 onto the corner 710. This further aligns the firstfastening point, of the corner cap 402, with the fastening point 716, ofthe corner 710. With the corner cap 402 so engaged with the corner 710 afastener 427 and 429, such as a bolt, screw, and the like, may beengaged through the first and/or second fastening points of the cornercap 402 into the fastening points 716 and/or 718 of the corner 710 ofthe first end panel 702. Thus, the corner cap 402 may be secured to thefirst end panel 702.

The air filtration unit 100 further includes a plurality of extrudedtube assemblies 302, 304, and 306. In the preferred embodiment, each ofthe extruded tube assemblies is similar in design, therefore descriptionof a first extruded tube assembly 302 is understood to encompass thedesign of the other extruded tube assemblies 304 and 306. FIGS. 7A and7B illustrate the extruded tube assembly 302. The extruded tube assembly302 includes a hood wrap 310 which generally extends the length of thefirst, second, and bottom panels. The hood wrap 310 is generallyconfigured in an arc shape having a first side 311 and a second side312. Further, the hood wrap 310 has a first end 313 and a second end314. In the preferred embodiment, disposed upon the first side 311 ofthe hood wrap 302 is a first mounting receiver 330 and a second mountingreceiver 332. The first and second mounting receivers may be engaged bya first mounting member 331 and a second mounting member 333, as shownin FIG. 2. It is contemplated that the first and second mountingreceivers may couple various mounting assemblies to the air filtrationunit 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second mountingreceivers are threaded bores which may couple with a threaded fastener,such as the threaded shafts of the eye hooks shown in FIG. 2. The shaftsmay include a secondary mounting member coupled at the opposite end ofthe coupling with the hood wrap and enable the air filtration unit 100to be mounted to a surface, such as a ceiling.

In the preferred embodiment, the hood wrap 302 is disposed with couplingassembly 315. The coupling assembly, in the preferred embodiment, is asingle piece assembly including a mounting member 316 which is coupledwith the second side 312 of the hood wrap 310. It is contemplated thatthe mounting member 316 may be integrally or removably coupled with thesecond side 312, of the hood wrap 310. The mounting member 316substantially extends the length of the second side 312 of the hood wrap310 and may be variously configured as contemplated by one of ordinaryskill. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting member 316 isconfigured in a generally elongate square shape. The mounting member 316is further coupled with a first arm 317 and a second arm 318. In thepreferred embodiment, the first and second arms are integrally coupledwith the mounting member 316. In alternative embodiments the first andsecond arms 317 and 318 may be removable from the mounting member 316.

In the preferred embodiment, the first and second arms integrallycoupled with the mounting member 316 form a substantially “T” shapedcoupling assembly. The first and second arms extend the length of themounting member 316 and extend, generally perpendicular, to the mountingmember 316. It is contemplated that the first and second arms may bevariously configured providing first and second arms extending from themounting member 316 in various configurations, such as at a forty-fivedegree angle relative to the mounting member 316. Other configurationsas contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may beemployed.

The first and second arms extend from the mounting member 316 generallytoward the second side 312 of the hood wrap 310. Thus, the mountingmember 316 and the first and second arms define a first groove 322 and asecond groove 324, relative to the second side 312 of the hood wraps310. It is understood that the first and second arms provide for theoperational engagement and coupling between the extruded tube assembliesand the tongue members of the first, second, and bottom panels. Theoperational engagement being defined by the groove having at least apart of the tongue member inserted within. The coupling being defined bythe physical engagement of at least a part of the tongue member with thefirst arm 317, second arm 318, and the mounting member 316. It iscontemplated that the configuration of the groove may be varied byenabling hood wraps and coupling assemblies in various configurations.

The coupling assembly 315 includes a first end 319, which furtherincludes a first fastening point 320. It is understood that the couplingassembly 315 further includes a second end including a second fasteningpoint which may be similar in all respects to the first fastening point.Further, the fastening point 320, herein described, may be exemplary offastening points disposed upon each extruded tube assembly 302, 304, and306. The first fastening point 320 is generally configured as a threadedbore for coupling with a threaded shaft, such as a bolt, screw, and thelike. In the preferred embodiment, the first fastening point 320 isintegrally coupled with the first and second arm 317 and 318. Thelocation of the first fastening point 320 may be varied as contemplatedby those of ordinary skill. Still further, the first fastening point 320may be removable from the first and second arms and couple with variousother features of the coupling assembly 315. In operation, the first andsecond ends of the coupling assembly 315 may couple with the corners ofthe first and second end panels to effectuate the coupling of theextruded tube assembly 302 with the first and second end panel 108 and110. It may also be seen that the fastening point 320 is utilized toassist in the coupling of the first and second filter systems to thefirst and second end panels.

In the exemplary embodiment described previously, the corners of thefirst and second end panels are coupled with corner caps by use offasteners engaging through the first and second fastening points of thecorner caps and into the fastening points disposed on the corners of thefirst and second end panels. It is further the case, that the fastenersmay extend through the fastening points of the corners of the first andsecond end panels to engage with the first and second fastening pointsof the coupling assemblies of the extruded tube assemblies. Thus, eachcorner of the first and second end panels of the air filtration unit 100may couple with a corner cap and an extruded tube assembly.

It is understood that the extruded tube assemblies may be variouslyconfigured. For example, the extruded tube assemblies may be extrudedtube assemblies which provide generally rounded finished edges to theair filtration unit. Alternatively, the extruded tube assemblies may beformed of multiple parts which may be coupled together to form a desiredconfiguration. For example, the hood wrap may be a two or three pieceassembly coupled together by fasteners. The mounting member may beremoved and the coupling assembly integrally mounted with or removablycoupled with the multiple piece assembly of the hood wrap.

In the current embodiment, an air filtration system 500, of the airfiltration unit 100, includes the blower 501 which, during operation,draws air through a first filter assembly 502 and a second filterassembly 508. The blower 501 is advantageously sized to accommodate thelimited available space for its mounting. Thus, the blower 501, bydesign, provides maximum suction and exhaust capability while occupyinga limited volume of space. After the air is at least partially filteredby the first or second filter assemblies the blower 501 then exhauststhe air through the exhaust conduit 116 to which the blower 501 iscoupled. As shown in FIG. 3, the first filter assembly 502 includes afirst coarse filter 504 and a first fine filter 506, and the secondfilter assembly 508 includes a second coarse filter 510 and a secondfine filter 512. The first filter assembly 502 is shown in FIG. 21 andwill be described herein. It is understood that the second filterassembly is similar in all respects to the first filter assembly.

The first and second filter assembly configuration maximizes the airfiltering capacity of the present invention by providing coarse and finefilters which maximize their exposed surface areas. In this manner thecoarse and fine filters may be enabled to collect as much airbornematerial as possible while maintaining a configuration suitable for usewith the configuration of the air filtration unit 100. The airfiltration unit 100 may be designed for consumer use and therefore mayaccommodate consumer needs by limiting its size dimensions. Within thislimited framework the filter assemblies may provide the maximum filtersurface areas thereby increasing the amount of filtered air which iscirculated to the work environment. Additionally, the filter assembliesmay provide filters which increase the time between the need to changethe filters due to debris accumulation within the filters. This mayreduce costs to the user of the air filtration unit 100. Theaccumulation of debris within the filters of the filter assemblies maybe monitored by a dust indication assembly, as will be described below.Further, the blower configuration is designed to maximize the amount ofair which may be drawn through the filter assemblies within the limiteddimensional framework of the air filtration unit 100.

In the preferred embodiment, the filter assemblies are configured toprovide the coarse and fine filters in a generally perpendicularorientation to the exhaust conduit 116. Thus, it is seen that the firstand second inlet gates of the end panels are established in a similar,generally perpendicular orientation, with respect to the exhaust conduit116. It is contemplated that the flow pattern of the air, which isestablished by the blower 501, through use of the blower 501 drawing airthrough the first and second filter assemblies and then exhausting theat least partially filtered air through the exhaust conduit 116 mayadvantageously maximize the air filtering capacity of the air filtrationunit 100.

The first fine filter 506 includes a rim 520. The rim 520 is composed ofa rubber material and defines the shape and circumference of the firstfine filter 506. The rim 520 is generally triangular in shape, definedby a first corner 522, a second corner 526 and a third corner 530.Additionally, the first corner 522 is disposed with a first fasteningassembly 524, the second corner 526 is disposed with a second fasteningassembly 528, and the third corner 530 is disposed with a thirdfastening assembly 532. Each fastening assembly provides a fasteningpoint through which a fastener may be inserted and assist in securingthe position of the first fine filter 506.

In the current embodiment, the rim 520 defines a recessed area withinwhich the first coarse filter 504 may be located. The position of thefirst coarse filter 504 within the rim 520 of the first fine filter 506may be determined by the first, second, and third fastening assemblieswhich may provide a surface upon which the first coarse filter 504 maybe disposed. The first coarse filter 504, being generally configured tobe inserted, within the recessed area of the first fine filter 506 andrest against the fastening assemblies. The first coarse filter 504includes a first corner 513 with a first fastening point 514, a secondcorner 515 with a second fastening point 516, and a third corner 517with a third fastening point 518. In operation, the first coarse filter504 is inserted within the rim 520 of the first fine filter 506 and thefirst, second, and third fastening points of the first coarse filter 504operationally align with the first, second, and third fasteningassemblies of the first fine filter 506. Thus, as seen in FIGS. 22through 25, the first filter assembly 502 may couple with the first endpanel 702. The first, second, and third fastening points and fasteningassemblies align with the corner second protracted member 742, 746, and750, respectively. This alignment enables the first, second, and thirdfastening points and fastening assemblies to slidably engage with thecorner second protracted members. The sliding engagement, in the currentembodiment, is defined by the corner second protracted members insertingthrough the first, second, and third fastening points and fasteningassemblies. A first tension clip 540, second tension clip 542, and thirdtension clip 544 engage the corner second protracted members 742, 746,and 750, respectively, after the first filter assembly 502 is slidablyengaged, and secures the position of the first filter assembly 502relative to the first end panel 702. It is contemplated that the firstand second filter assemblies may be removed from the first and secondend panels, thereby, enabling replacement of the fine and coarsefilters.

In operation, the air filter system is a two stage air filtration systemwhere the air from the environment passes through the coarse and finefilters of the first or second filter assemblies before being exhaustedback out into the environment. For example, the first inlet gate 112 mayallow air into the first filter assembly. The air is first passedthrough the first coarse filter 504 and then the air is passed throughthe first fine filter 506. After passing through the first fine filter506 the air is then exhausted by the blower 501 forcing the air out theexhaust port 116. Alternatively, the second inlet gate 114 allows airinto the second filter assembly 508. The air is first passed through thesecond coarse filter 510 and then the air is passed through the secondfine filter 512. After passing through the second fine filter 512 theair is then exhausted by the blower 501 forcing the air out the exhaustport 116. The fine filters provide a second filtering of the air beforethe blower forces the filtered air out of the air filtration unit,through the exhaust port 116 coupled with the screen 118, and back intothe environment.

It is contemplated that the air filtration system, of the presentembodiment, may be enabled using various air filtration technologies,such as ionic filters, and the like, without departing from the scopeand spirit of the present invention. Alternatively, the air filtrationunit 100 may employ various different filter technologies together inorder to comprise the first or second filter assembly 502 or 508. Forexample, the coarse filter may be provided as a screen filter and thefine filter may be established as an ionic filter. It is furthercontemplated that the coarse and fine filters may be coupled within theair filtration unit 100 independently of one another. For example, thecoarse filter may be removed without requiring the removal of the finefilter. Thus, the coarse filter may be replaced at different timesrelative to the fine filter. Additionally, access to the coarse and finefilters of the first and second filter assemblies may be variouslyconfigured. For instance, the fine filter may be fastened directly tovarious components of the air filtration unit 100 while the coarsefilter may be inserted and removed within a filter receiver establishedwithin various components of the air filtration unit 100.

The air filtration unit 100 further includes a light assembly 600. Thelighting assembly 600 includes a lamp plate 602, a lamp frame 604, and acover plate 606. The lamp plate 602 includes a top side 603 and a bottomside 605, said top side 603 is disposed with a blower mounting assembly610 for enabling the coupling of the blower upon the lamp plate 602. Inthe preferred embodiment the blower mounting assembly 610 includes afirst mounting member 612 and a second mounting member 614. The bottomside 605 includes a first lamp mount 620 and a second lamp mount 622.The first and second lamp mounts are preferably standard lamp mountingassemblies enabled to couple and operate a first lamp 624 and a secondlamp 626, respectively. It is understood that the number and types oflamps which may be coupled with the first and second lamp mounts mayvary as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

The lamp plate 602 is further disposed with a plurality of lamp platefastening points 630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, and 639 toenable the securing of the lamp plate 602 with the bottom panel 106. Theplurality of lamp plate fastening points may be engaged by a pluralityof fasteners, such as a bolt, screw, clip, pin, and the like. Inoperation, the plurality of lamp plate fastening points 630 through 639align with the plurality of bottom panel lamp plate fastening points 852through 870. The fasteners engage through the plurality of lamp platefastening points to engage with the plurality of bottom panel lamp platefastening points.

The lamp frame 604 is adjustably coupled with the bottom panel 108 toprovide cover for and access to the first and second lamp 624 and 626.The lamp frame 604 includes a ledge 610 disposed about thecircumferences of the aperture defined by the lamp frame 604. The ledge610 may be engaged by the cover plate 606. In operation, the cover plate606 may rest on the ledge 610. It is understood that the cover plate 606is composed of a transparent or semi-transparent material which enablesthe passage of the light provided by the first and second lamp 624 and626. For instance, the cover plate 606 may be a lexan plate, glassplate, and the like.

To enable the adjustable coupling of the lamp frame 604 with bottompanel 106, the lamp frame 604 includes a first hinge assembly 660 and asecond hinge assembly 662. The first and second hinge assemblies securethe lamp frame 604 with the bottom panel 106 and enable the lamp frame604 to swing open and shut relative to the bottom panel 106. The lampframe 604 further includes a first clip 664 and a second clip 666,disposed on the opposite side of the lamp frame 604 from the first andsecond hinge assemblies. The first and second clips enable the user ofthe air filtration unit 100 to open and close the lamp frame 604. In aclosed position, the first and second clips engage with a first andsecond protruding member 247 and 249, respectively, in order to securethe closed position of the lamp frame 604. The operator may engage thefirst and second clips, by pressing against them, thereby releasing theclips from their engagement with the first and second protruding membersand enabling the establishment of the lamp frame 604 in an openposition. It is contemplated that various adjustable coupling assembliesmay be employed to secure the lamp frame 604 with the bottom panel 106.

It is understood that the open position is established when the lampframe 604 is only coupled to the bottom panel 106 by the first andsecond hinge assemblies. Thus, the end of the lamp frame 604 whichincludes the first and second clips, is not coupled to the bottom panel106. The first and second hinge assemblies allow the second end 609 torotate away from the bottom panel 106 and may establish the light frame604 in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the bottompanel 106. The closed position is enabled when the lamp frame 604 iscoupled to the bottom panel 106 by the first and second hinge assembliesand the first and second clips. This position is enabled by the hingeassemblies establishing the lamp frame 604 in a generally parallelorientation relative to the bottom panel 106. It is contemplated thatthe various adjustable coupling assemblies employed may enable more thantwo positions for the lamp frame 604 relative to the bottom panel 106.Further, the adjustable coupling assemblies may enable the removal ofthe lamp frame 604 from the bottom panel 106 and the retrofitting of asecondary lamp frame with the bottom panel 106.

It is contemplated that the air filtration unit 100 may include a dirtyair filter indicator. The dirty air filter indicator may provide amethod for users of the air filtration unit 100 to monitor the dirtinessof the air filter assemblies including the coarse and fine filters. Thedirty air filter indicator may be a gradient system where the amount ofair that is passing through the air filters determines the gradient.When the air filters are clean the gradient remains high due to thehigher volume of air passing through, however, as the air filters becomemore clogged with dirt the amount of air passing through the air filtersreduces and there is a concomitant reduction in the gradient. Thegradient system employed may be replaced by various calibration systemsor other systems as may be contemplated by one of ordinary skill in theart. It is further contemplated that the dirty air filter indicator maybe enabled to separately monitor the coarse and fine filters relative toone another. Additionally, the dirty air filter indicator may be enabledto separately monitor the first filter assembly relative to the secondfilter assembly.

It is believed that the air filtration unit of the present invention andmany of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoingdescription. It is also believed that it will be apparent that variouschanges may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of thecomponents thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. Theform herein before described being merely an explanatory embodimentthereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass andinclude such changes.

1. An air filtration unit for use in a work environment, comprising: ahousing including a plurality of panels generally configured in atriangular shape, the panels defining a first end and a second end, thefirst and second ends having a substantially triangular cross-section; atwo stage air filtration system, coupling a first filter assembly with afirst end panel at the first end and a second filter assembly with asecond end panel at the second end, the first and second filterassemblies being disposed within the housing; a blower assembly,including a motor, disposed within the housing, the blower assembly fordrawing air from the work environment through the first and secondfilter assemblies into the housing; an exhaust conduit coupled with theblower, the exhaust conduit for allowing the blower assembly to blow theat least partially filtered air back out into the work environment, theblower exhausting the at least partially filtered air via the exhaustconduit in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction ofincoming airflow; a light assembly disposed in the housing, forproviding light to the work environment; and a plurality of extrudedtube assemblies for coupling the plurality of panels of the housingtogether, wherein the two stage air filter system at least partiallyfilters the air from the work environment within the area illuminated bythe light assembly.
 2. The air filtration unit of claim 1, wherein thefirst filter assembly includes a first coarse filter coupled with afirst fine filter, coupled with the first end panel and the secondfilter assembly includes a second coarse filter coupled with a secondfine filter, coupled with the second end panel.
 3. The air filtrationunit of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes a dirty air filterindicator for indicating when the first and second filter assemblies aredirty and need replacing.
 4. The air filtration unit of claim 1, whereinthe first filter assembly is removable from the first end panel and thesecond filter assembly is removable from the second end panel.
 5. Theair filtration unit of claim 1, further comprising: a first selectorassembly for selecting the operation of the motor of the blowerassembly; and a second selector assembly for selecting the operation ofthe light assembly.
 6. The air filtration unit of claim 1, wherein thehousing further includes a handle.
 7. The air filtration unit of claim1, wherein the air filtration unit further comprises a power cord forproviding power to the blower and is at least one of retractable intothe housing and capable of wrapping around the handle.
 8. The airfiltration unit of claim 1, wherein the air filtration unit furthercomprises a mounting assembly disposed on at least one of the pluralityof extruded tube assemblies.
 9. The air filtration unit of claim 1,wherein a plurality of corner caps couple with the plurality of panelsand plurality of extruded tube assemblies.
 10. The air filtration unitof claim 1, further comprising a power outlet disposed on the housing,the power outlet being suitable for providing a power source forequipment being utilized by a user.
 11. An air filtration unit for usein a work environment, comprising: a first end panel and a second endpanel coupled via a plurality of extruded tube assemblies with a firstside panel, a second side panel, and a bottom panel, the first andsecond end panels for providing an inlet gate for the air in the workenvironment the first and second end panels defining a first end and asecond end and having a substantially triangular cross-section; a firstfilter assembly including a first coarse filter and a first fine filter,coupled with the first end panel at the first end, the first filterassembly for providing a two stage filtering of air in the workenvironment; a second filter assembly including a second coarse filterand a second fine filter, coupled with the second end panel at thesecond end, the second filter assembly for providing a two stagefiltering of air in the work environment; a light assembly coupled withthe bottom panel, including a lamp plate, the light assembly forproviding light to the work environment; a blower assembly including amotor and an exhaust conduit, coupled with the lamp plate, the blowerassembly for drawing air from the work environment through the first andsecond filter assemblies and blowing the at least partially filtered airback out into the work environment via the exhaust conduit, the blowerexhausting the at least partially filtered air via the exhaust conduitin a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of incomingairflow; and a plurality of corner caps coupled with the first andsecond end panels, the plurality of corner caps for protecting thepanels of the air filtration unit, wherein the first and second filterassemblies at least partially filter the air from the work environmentwithin the area illuminated by the light assembly.
 12. The airfiltration unit of claim 11, wherein the first side panel and secondside panel further include a handle.
 13. The air filtration unit ofclaim 11, wherein the air filtration unit further comprises a power cordfor providing power to the blower and is at least one of retractableinto the housing and capable of wrapping around the handle.
 14. The airfiltration unit of claim 11, further comprising: a first selectorassembly for selecting the operation of the motor of the blowerassembly; and a second selector assembly for selecting the operation ofthe light assembly.
 15. The air filtration unit of claim 11, wherein theair filtration unit further comprises a mounting assembly disposed on atleast one of the plurality of extruded tube assemblies.
 16. An airfiltration unit for a work environment, comprising: means for filteringair in a work environment, the filtering means including a two-stage airfiltration system, including a first filter assembly and a second filterassembly; means for lighting the work environment; means for housing theair filtration means and the lighting means, the housing means includinga plurality of panels, the plurality of panels defining a first end anda second end, at least one of the panels included in the plurality ofpanels being configured with a handle; a blower assembly, including amotor, disposed within the housing means, the blower assembly fordrawing air from the work environment through the first and secondfilter assemblies into the housing means; and a plurality of corner capscounted with at least one of the panels included in the plurality ofpanels for protecting the panels of the air filtration unit; wherein atleast partially filtered air is exhausted from the housing means in adirection substantially perpendicular to a direction of incoming airflow.
 17. The air filtration unit of claim 16, wherein the lightingmeans comprises a light assembly including a light coupled with a lampplate, the lamp plate couples with the bottom panel.
 18. The airfiltration unit of claim 16, wherein a power source assembly comprisinga power cord and a selector assembly are coupled with the housing means,air filtration means, and the lighting means.
 19. The air filtrationunit of claim 18, wherein the power cord is retractable into thehousing.
 20. The air filtration unit of claim 18, wherein the selectorassembly is a multi-position switch assembly operationally coupled withthe power cord.